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New Zealand will ratify the Maritime Labour Convention to ensure fair treatment of seafarers and protect the reputation of New Zealand exports, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Woodhouse and Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss announced today.

The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 is an international treaty adopted by the International Labour Organisation.  It sets minimum standards for the health, safety and welfare of seafarers on commercial vessels.

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Woodhouse welcomed the recommendations of the Independent Forestry Safety Review and outlined the Government’s initial response.

“The Government supports the findings of this review and acknowledges everyone who played a role in this critically important work. The safety record of the forestry sector is not acceptable and Government agencies are committed to working in partnership with industry to build a safe, sustainable and professional forestry sector,” Mr Woodhouse says.

Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety Michael Woodhouse has welcomed the passage of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill through Parliament.

“The Government campaigned on our commitment to continue to improve employment law, particularly in relation to fairness, flexibility and choice in the labour market,” Mr Woodhouse says.

“The passing of this Bill delivers on that commitment and will improve New Zealand’s employment relations framework by creating a fair and more flexible system for both employers and employees.

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Woodhouse today refutes Labour MP Andrew Little’s claims that the Employment Relations Amendment Bill is ‘mean-spirited and unfair’.

“Mr Little’s claims that the Bill will see the end of smoko breaks is nothing but a cynical dog whistle used by Labour to create a climate of fear,” Mr Woodhouse says.